1869 Shield Nickel

About This Coin

The 1869 Shield Nickel is a United States nickel from the Shield Nickels 1866-1883 series — 4th of 18 years in the series. In 1869, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 16.4 million. This ranks 16th of 18 years by total mintage, above the series median of 3.2 million. The obverse features a large Union shield with a motto ribbon and crossed arrows behind it and the reverse displays a large numeral 5 within a circle of stars, without rays. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 12 known die varieties for this date across 4 categories, including cud, pre-cud, retained cud and 1 other types. Produced 8 years before the celebrated 1877 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $38 to $468 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $19K in PR68 grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by James Barton Longacre.